Richardson: Sehwag was exceptional

Sehwag became just the second man in history to score 200 in an ODI and made a world-record against the West Indies on Thursday night at the Holkar Cricket Stadium as India won the fourth ODI to take a 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

“Sehwag played exceptionally well. It was a flat wicket. Even though Sehwag batted so well, I thought if one or two of our batsmen could stick in, we could get to that total. But it was not to be,” Richardson said after the match.

“We knew they were going to put on big total. The outfield was lush green. It was always going to be a high-scoring match. But we were very disappointed as the Indians batted much better on that wicket. Our captain was very positive and said if they could get it, we could too,” said the former West Indies captain said.

Richardson however refused to be drawn into the comparison of Sehwag’s innings with Sir Viv Richards’ magnificent 189 not out against England at Old Trafford back in 1984. Sir Viv’s innings was the then highest score in ODIs and Richardson was a member of the West Indies team at that time.

“I don’t want to compare the innings of Sehwag with anyone else’s. That innings came when we were in difficulties and he put on a great partnership with Michael Holding for the last wicket. The wicket was difficult. This was a flat track, but Sehwag’s innings was exceptional,” he explained.